How does the D clarinet sound in relation to concert pitch?

The D clarinet is classified as a transposing instrument, specifically an entire step higher than concert pitch. When a player reads a written note for the D clarinet and plays it, the sound produced is a major second higher than what is written on the page.

For example, if the D clarinet player sees a written C, the note that actually sounds is a D, which is a major second higher than the written note. This characteristic is essential for performers and composers to understand, as it affects the way music is notated and how musicians interact in ensemble settings.

Understanding the transposition nature of the D clarinet helps in arranging music and collaborating with other musicians who may play instruments at concert pitch. The other options indicate different intervals that do not accurately represent how the D clarinet sounds in relation to concert pitch, as each one would suggest a different relationship between written and sounding pitches.